What are some of the challenges in conducting scientific research on marijuana and its potential benefits?

Challenges in Conducting Scientific Research on Marijuana

While the potential benefits of marijuana are increasingly recognized, various hurdles impede the scientific research into this plant and its applications. Here are some of these key challenges.

Legal Restrictions and Regulations

Marijuana is classified as a schedule 1 drug by the Federal Controlled Substances Act in the United States. This makes conducting any form of research explicitly difficult as it necessitates the acquisition of several licenses and approvals (Center, 2021). Furthermore, the strict regulations, even in states where medical or recreational use is legal, limit the access and quantity of marijuana for research purposes.

Limited Supply of Quality Cannabis

In accordance with federal laws, there is only one authorized facility for growing marijuana for research in the United States - at the University of Mississippi. This significantly restricts the supply of quality cannabis for scientific studies and the selection of cannabis strains for research is also limited, not accurately reflecting the variety available in the market (NIDA, 2021).

Lack of Funding

Given the legal status of marijuana, funding for research is scarce. Federal funding agencies are often hesitant to fund research related to marijuana due to its classification as a controlled substance (Cohen, 2019). Similarly, industry funding is few and far between due to the risks associated with investing in a product that is federally illegal.

Stigma and Perception

The perceived stigma associated with marijuana, its use, and the risks of misuse often outweigh its potential therapeutic benefits in the public's perception. This can hinder the recruitment process for research and affects the advancement in the field (Sarvet et al., 2018).